Additional NSHP Information

Related Areas

Number of Applications(includes custom homes)*This does not include projects or systems that have expired or withdrawn from the NSHP program, but may include some sites that have withdrawn from the NSHP program.

64 Under Review
4,010 Approved*
4,074 Received

Number of Systems Corresponding to the Applications(Including Custom Homes)

What Is The New Solar Homes Partnership?

The California Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) is part of the comprehensive statewide solar program, known as the California Solar Initiative. The NSHP provides financial incentives and other support to home builders, encouraging the construction of new, energy efficient solar homes that save homeowners money on their electric bills and protect the environment.

Applicants are encouraged to submit reservation applications and payment claims using the online application tool, when possible.

New reservation applications and payment claims submitted by mail must be sent to the Energy Commission at the address identified on the GoSolar California contacts page. All inquiries must be directed to the Energy Commission at 844-421-6229.

* Payment claims are usually submitted for individual systems, not for an entire project. Projects that have not submitted payment claims for all systems within the project are included in the number of reserved applications.

** The available funding includes funds previously reserved for expired and withdrawn NSHP projects, as well as funds from the Emerging Renewables Program, since that program has now been closed out by the Energy Commission. The available funding also includes all loan repayments to the Renewable Resource Trust Fund (RRTF) as of June 2014. Monies in the RRTF may be used to fund the NSHP.

*** The remaining funding assumes that all entries on the processing list are funded.

Continued Funding of NSHP Program

On November 13, 2015, the Energy Commission requested funds from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to meet the statutorily authorized $400 million for incentives under SB 1 for the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) Program. The Energy Commission also requested to continue administering the program.

At its June 9, 2016 Board Meeting, the CPUC voted and approved Decision 16-06-006, Decision Funding Authorizations and Related Measures for Continuation of the New Solar Homes Partnership Program.

This CPUC Decision provides the NSHP program with additional funding in the amount of $111.78 million to provide for continuing financial incentives for homeowners, builders, and developers to install solar energy systems on new, energy efficient residential dwelling under provisions of the program. The CPUC Decision also designates the Energy Commission to continue as the administrator of the program.

What is an NSHP Solar Home?

In California's New Solar Homes Partnership, a solar home is a highly energy efficient home that uses photovoltaic (or PV) modules to generate electricity from the sun. While the science to convert sunlight directly into electricity has been around for decades, in recent years both the technology and economics have improved for photovoltaics, and now systems are becoming mainstream. Currently, California has tens of thousands of homeowners enjoying the benefits of solar on their homes.

Earn tax credits.Solar homes also qualify for a federal income tax credit.
Energy efficiency measures may qualify the home for an additional $2,000 in federal tax credits.

Save the Environment - Go Solar!

Best of all, buying an efficient solar home is one of the most significant personal actions one can take to cut air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while helping to conserve precious energy resources for future generations. Plus, it reduces the need for costly new power plants.

Solar homeowners can be assured that their solar system works because they are backed with a 10-year system warranty.
PV modules are warranted to last 20 years or more.
Plus, the solar system must be tested and perform up to specifications before anyone can collect the incentive money from the NSHP.

For more information, go to one of these sections:

Information for ConsumersClick here if you're looking to buy a new, energy-efficient solar home in a New Solar Homes Partnership Community.

If you are interested in installing solar/PV system on an existing residence or on Commercial, Industrial, and Agricultural Properties, please visit the California Solar Initiative Page.

NOTE:
If you are interested in the Energy Commission's formal proceeding (Docket # 16-NSHP-01) for the NSHP Guidebook and meetings - including advisory committee meetings, please see the Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership Proceeding page.